Train symbol ATL (ATSF Loads) was used for unit coal trains received from ATSF at Kansas City, and destined to the Union Electric power plant at Rush Tower, MO. These trains operated KC-Springfield-St Louis-Rush Tower. ATSF schedules for 12/1/78 show their eastbound train symbol 5223 loaded from Defiance, NM to Argentine (Kansas City), KS to SLSF. Their westbound train symbol 5233 was the returning empties. “Santa Fe Freight Train Symbol History 1968 to 1984” by John Carr shows these ATSF symbols in effect from 1978 to 1981. These symbols do not appear in the 10/1/1983 ATSF train schedule listings. I do not have a start or end date for this service/contract. Train ATL-07 departed KC at 15:20 on 6/7/1979 with 92 loads, 1 mty, 11,962 tons, 4930 ft. Locomotives were SLSF 417 (EMD GP38-2)-841 (GE U30B)-758 (EMD GP40-2)-675 (EMD GP38-2)-691 (EMD GP 38-2)-420 (EMD GP38-2), caboose SLSF 1248. The train included 90 ATSF hoppers, 1 DRGW hopper, 1 CEI hopper. A power line-up sheet at Lindenwood for June 7, 1979, shows the same 6 units expected inbound to St Louis.
Thanks Ted, Very short time for a contract, but I suppose it was the norm back then. Cool to have the two odd hoppers in the consist! Thanks for posting the information, educational as usual. Nick
Very cool to see the output of the SLSF computer system. There is a description what everything means here. Management Information Control System (MISC) Also, the "1 empty" appears to be the caboose. All the coal cars are marked as loaded. Paul
I stumbled upon a picture this morning that raises some new questions about ATL. http://frisco.org/mainline/wp-conte...on-May-31-1980-Ken-Moore-Trackside-Slides.jpg This would appear to be an empty Santa Fe coal train headed west, but using the CTB/QLA route instead of returning to Kansas City. The main question is why would they reroute it this way? My other question is why is it pulling into Cherokee yard instead of continuing on down the line towards Avard?
